Starlight fades out of contention close home

Starlight Court was backed down to 1.25 on Betfair (and 1.01 to place) when cruising up to the leader approaching two out in the novice hurdle at Bangor, but he tired badly before the last and dropped to fourth behind winner Dashing Oscar, who traded at 38 when it appeared he was playing only for places.

There was plenty of money for Aux Ptit Soins in the novice chase at Exeter. Paul Nicholls' gelding was matched at 1.17 to decent money but couldn't stay with Drumlee Sunset up the home straight.

It was a surprise to see The Otmoor Poet backed at 1.08 in the maiden hurdle at Bangor. Despite enjoying an uncontested lead he could never shake off his pursuers and had been passed by Tasty Ginger (17) before the final flight and dropped to third.